Tag: college football picks

Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Belk Bowl between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Kentucky Wildcats, with NCAA football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4) and Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) do battle in the Belk Bowl Tuesday, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET (ESPN). We analyze the Virginia Tech-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Wildcats will be making their first-ever appearance in the Belk Bowl. They’re looking for a second consecutive bowl victory after upsetting Penn State in the Citrus Bowl last season by a 27-24 count.

2. Kentucky ranks fourth in the country with 274.8 rushing yards per game, while Virginia Tech ranked 27th against the rush defensively, yielding 123.4 yards per outing. That will be where this game is won or lost.

3. The Under is 4-1 in Kentucky’s past five bowl games, while going 6-2 in its past eight neutral-site games. The Over is 6-2-2 in Virginia Tech’s past 10 neutral-site contests.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 31, Kentucky 17

Moneyline (ML)

VIRGINIA TECH (-134) was humming along until a loss to Virginia in the regular-season finale. Still, the Hokies are the play here, as Kentucky (+110) is just too one-dimensional. That’s fine against the likes of Vanderbilt or Tennessee-Martin, but it won’t fly against a more seasoned team like the Gobblers.

Against the Spread (ATS)

VIRGINIA TECH (-2.5, -115) is a strong play against Kentucky (+2.5, -106). The Hokies have cashed in five of their past six, and as mentioned, they’re just more balanced. If the Hokies can shut down, or at least limit the likes of Swiss Army Knife Lynn Bowden Jr., who led the team in rushing and receiving yards, they’ll shut down Kentucky and hoist a trophy.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 45.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit play, but don’t get crazy. The Over has dominated for the Hokies in neutral-site games, going 6-2-2 in the past 10, and 7-3-1 in their past 11 as a favorite on a neutral field. The Over is 7-3 in Kentucky’s past 10 against winning teams, and 20-7 in its past 27 non-conference tilts, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Redbox Bowl: California Golden Bears vs. Illinois Fighting Illini odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Redbox Bowl betting odds and lines between the California Golden Bears and the Illinois Fighting Illini with betting picks, tips and bets.

The California Golden Bears (7-5) and Illinois Fighting Illini (6-6) square off in the Redbox Bowl. Kickoff at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., is set for 4 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the California-Illinois odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

California vs. Illinois: Three things you need to know

1. Illinois makes its first bowl appearance since the Heart of Dallas Bowl back on Dec. 26, 2014. The Illini are looking for their first bowl win since beating UCLA in the 2011 Fight Hunger Bowl.

2. California will be playing its 14th bowl game inside the borders of its own state. The Golden Bears are just 4-8-1 SU in the past 13 bowl appearances in the state of California, however.

3. Cal is 1-4 ATS in the past five as a favorite, 1-4 ATS in the past five non-conference games and 1-4 ATS in the past five bowl games. Illinois is 5-0 ATS in the past five as an underdog, and 6-2 ATS in the past eight neutral-site appearances.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

California vs. Illinois: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

California 27, Illinois 24

Moneyline (ML)

California (-264) is a rather moderate favorite, but don’t expect the Golden Bears to run away from the Fighting Illini (+205). If you’re looking for an ML play, the Illini are much more attractive, paying just over 2-to-1 (Every $1 wagered on the Illinois ML will profit $2.05 if it wins).

Against the Spread (ATS)

ILLINOIS (+5.5, +105) is the way to go. This one should be a very entertaining and close battle. This season, the Illini just found ways to cover, although bettors will have some pause after they inexplicably got trucked in their season finale against the lowly Northwestern Wildcats.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 41.5 (-129) is the play, just make sure you forget that Cal played to a 10-7 loss last season in the Cheez-It Bowl against the TCU Horned Frogs. This game won’t be a track meet, but a line of just over 40 is too low.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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First Responder Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Western Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s SERVPRO First Responder Bowl betting odds and lines between Western Michigan Broncos and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4) meet up in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. Kickoff at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas 12:30 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Western Michigan-Western Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Western Michigan vs. Western Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Broncos head into this game with a 1-8 straight-up (SU) career record in bowl games, while the Hilltoppers have won three of their five all-time appearances.

2. Western Michigan ranked 23rd in the nation with 457.3 total yards per game and are 24th in the country with 212.7 yards per game on the ground, while posting 34.2 points per game to check in 25th.

3. Western Kentucky covered in seven of its final nine games despite the fact it ranked just 87th in the country with 380.0 total yards per game on offense. The defense is rather stout, however, allowing just 20.1 PPG to rank 21st.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

Western Michigan vs. Western Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 9:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Western Kentucky 24, Western Michigan 21

Moneyline (ML)

WESTERN KENTUCKY (-164) is a moderate favorite. Playing the moneyline isn’t a bad bet since the Hilltoppers are laying 3.5 points. Anything less and the play is to just look to the spread.

New to sports betting? Every $1.64 wagered on the Western Kentucky ML will profit $1 if the Broncos win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID. Western Kentucky (-3.5, -106) is laying three and a hook, and I expect this to be a one-possession game. I’d rather play the moneyline and cheer for a straight-up win. Western Michigan (+3.5, -115) could easily cover the line and still lose this game, which should be a close, defensive slog.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 54.5 (-106) is the way to go, as Western Kentucky’s defense has been stout this season. Western Michigan can sling it, but expect the Broncos to struggle finding as many open spaces as they’re used to in MAC play.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Sugar Bowl: Baylor vs. Georgia odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl matchup between Baylor and Georgia, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets.

The New Year’s Day quartet of big-time bowl games ends with the Sugar Bowl, as the Georgia Bulldogs (11-2), the SEC runner-up, face the Baylor Bears (11-2), the Big 12 runner-up. They will kick off Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

We analyze the Georgia-Baylor odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Georgia vs. Baylor: Three things you need to know

1. Baylor’s only two losses of the season came against Oklahoma, the No. 4 team in the country playing in a College Football Playoff semifinal.

2. Georgia has the No. 2 scoring defense in the country, allowing only 12.5 points per contest and surrendering more than 20 points once — against No. 1 LSU in the SEC Championship Game.

3. Georgia RB D’Andre Swift has rushed for 1,216 yards on the season, or 35 yards fewer than Baylor’s top two running backs combined.

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Georgia vs. Baylor: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Georgia 27, Baylor 13

Moneyline (ML)

Georgia was considered a possible playoff team until its loss in the SEC title game. Baylor can score points but played an inferior schedule. Georgia’s -239 won’t win much money but is the smartest bet in this matchup. Baylor’s +190 has a big payout but it isn’t worth the wager in this matchup. Take GEORGIA –239.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Georgia returns a profit of $4.18.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Georgia is favored in this game at -5.5 (-110). Baylor has been a very good bet against the spread, covering in nine of its 13 games (compared to only seven covers for Georgia). However, Baylor’s defense is suspect and Georgia’s defense is suffocating. This will be a lopsided win. Take the BULLDOGS -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 41.5 points. The question will be whether Baylor can score more than two touchdowns in this game. Georgia’s games stayed under the point total in 10 of 13 games. Baylor’s stayed under in seven.

Georgia’s defense will keep the Bears from scoring much and the Bulldogs will be able to slow the game down in the second half. Take UNDER 41.5 (-115).

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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College Gameday Staff Picks Camping World Bowl

As always, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit gave their picks for all the games of the day and Notre Dame taking on Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl got a minute or so of discussion.

The final College Gameday for the year took place this morning in front of an empty University of Phoenix Stadium where Ohio State and Clemson will play for a spot in the national championship game later today.

As always, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit gave their picks for all the games of the day and Notre Dame taking on Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl got a minute or so of discussion.

The picks went as follows:

Desmond Howard:  Notre Dame

Lee Corso:  Iowa State

Kirk Herbstreit: Notre Dame

What did Meatloaf say, two out of three ain’t bad?

Something like that anyway.  Enjoy the game!

Fiesta Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl between the Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Clemson Tigers (13-0) battle Ohio State Buckeyes (13-0) in Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Az. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Clemson-Ohio State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Ohio State heads into the national semifinal ranked No. 2 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA Today Sports. Clemson is ranked No. 3.

Clemson vs. Ohio State: Three things you need to know

1. Clemson has averaged 46.5 points per game (fourth in FBS) while allowing just 10.6 PPG (first). Ohio State has averaged 48.7 PPG (first) while yielding 12.5 PPG (second). The Tigers are making their fifth straight appearance in the playoff and are the defending national champions. The Buckeyes are making their third appearance in the playoff.

2. The game features RB Travis Etienne (Clemson) and RB J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State), both standouts among college football rushers. Etienne has piled up 1,500 yards on 182 carries (8.2 average) while rushing for 17 touchdowns. Dobbins has rushed for 1,829 yards and 20 TDs on 283 attempts (6.5). Both runners headed into the latter stages of the season with fresh legs due to many a second half on the bench watching understudies close out 35-point margins. Dobbins, however, has been used a lot (100 carries) in OSU’s tough three-game stretch at the end of the season (Penn State-Michigan-Wisconsin).

3. Stopping the run and an ability to shut down good offenses makes Ohio State a worthy play as a narrow underdog. The Buckeyes and Tigers played wildly divergent schedules in 2019. In no other area is this more evident than in the offensive averages (and underlying analytics) of opponent offenses. OSU’s smothering of good offensive teams like Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan and Indiana represent a collection of good-on-good that simply can’t be found in Clemson’s schedule. Allowing a combined 13 points to Louisville, Charlotte and Boston College is the closest the Tigers get to the Buckeyes’ list. And it’s a pale comparison.

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Clemson vs. Ohio State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ohio State 31, Clemson 24.

Moneyline (ML)

Play OHIO STATE (+105) and leave the spread alone. The chances of a close game are nearly dead-even, but Ohio State may well turn out to be an all-time top-10 caliber squad. I peg the odds of a two-score victory much in favor of the Buckeyes.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Ohio State returns a profit of $10.50.

Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS on Ohio State (+2.5, -110).

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 62.5 (-106) is the play for a smaller piece, with the thought this game plays out similarly to OSU versus Wisconsin (twice) and Penn State. All three games played to the Under.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Florida State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Sun Bowl matchup on New Year’s Eve between Arizona State and Florida State, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets.

One of the five New Year’s Eve bowls takes place in El Paso, Texas, as the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl pits the Arizona State Sun Devils (7-5) against the Florida State Seminoles (6-6) on Tuesday, Dec. 31 in a matchup of Pac-12 and ACC teams. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET in the Sun Bowl.

We analyze the Arizona State-Florida State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Arizona State vs. Florida State: Three things you need to know

1. The Sun Devils will be without their two top offensive weapons. WR Brandon Aiyuk and RB Eno Benjamin will both sit out the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft.

2. Arizona State has lost its last three bowl games and seven of its last nine, but the Pac 12 is 5-1 in the last six Sun Bowls against the ACC.

3. Florida State will be led by interim head coach Odell Haggins, and will be playing to avoid consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 197-76.

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Arizona State vs. Florida State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Arizona State 26, Florida State 23

Moneyline (ML)

This game is a tough one. Arizona State has performed poorly in bowl games and its two top playmakers will not play. The Sun Devils also have a freshman quarterback. But Florida State’s season has been a disappointment and now concludes with a lame-duck coaching staff as Mike Norvell will take the helm after the season. The Sun Devils at -186 isn’t safe and Florida State at +150 isn’t a sure enough bet. It is best to AVOID.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 wager on Arizona State returns a profit of $5.38, while a $10 wager on a winning Florida State team will return a profit of $15.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Sun Devils are favored at -5.5 (+100). But they failed to cover the spread eight times this season, including every game in which they were favored. They regularly played down to their competition. Florida State was an underdog in four games this season but covered the spread once.

As bowl games often are close, take the points and go with FLORIDA STATE +5.5 (-121).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 54.5 points. Both teams split the Over/Under in their 12 games. ASU played better defense than offense and will be without Benjamin and Aiyuk. Take the UNDER 54.5 (-115).

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Cheez-It Bowl: Air Force-Washington State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Cheez-It Bowl Air Force Falcons vs Washington State Cougars college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Air Force Falcons (10-2) will meet the Washington State Cougars (6-6) Friday in the Cheez-It Bowl in Phoenix. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET. Air Force is the No. 24 team in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA Today Sports.

We analyze the Air Force-Washington State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Air Force vs. Washington State: Three things you need to know

  1. This contest between pits the 57-rushes-a-game Falcons against the 56-throws-a-game Cougars. Air Force has won seven straight games and given up 21 or fewer points in four of five. Wazzou went 1-5 following a 3-0 start, but then posted 103 points in the following two games.
  2. The Cougars were a play both in week 12, an ATS win over Stanford, and week 13, an ATS loss against Oregon (the two games that accounted for the 103 points). They were a play in the Apple Cup, which turned out to be a 31-13 disappointment against the Huskies. Three turnovers in Washington territory undid the Cougars that day and rendered their 27 first downs and 308 passing yards moot.
  3. Air Force’s two losses have come against current top-25 teams (Boise State, Navy), and the Falcons are 5-2 ATS over their last seven games. QB Donald Hammond III has rushed for 491 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns this season. He’s also passed for 574 yards and eight TDs over the Falcons’ last three games.

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Air Force vs. Washington State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Washington State 35, Air Force 31

Moneyline (ML)

WASHINGTON STATE +120 is perhaps worth a watch (though I’m looking for something in the 127-130 range). The play would be a smaller complement to taking the points. But a move to a lower price as kickoff approaches seems more likely.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Washington State returns a profit of $12 should the Cougars win straight up.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The line has drifted a half-point toward Wazzou, and the Cougars are my play in this contest. WASHINGTON STATE +2.5 (-106) has decent value on a Cougars squad making its fifth straight bowl appearance (1-3 ATS).

WSU has played a slightly tougher slate and has a more talented recruit-turned-soph-and-junior roster. But the more impactful in this play is the fact that the offenses Air Force has faced this season are light years from what Wazzou brings to the table.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 4-1 in Washington State’s last five games overall, but 1-4 in the last five for Air Force.

The lean is under 68.5 (-110), but that number is respectable and draws a PASS here.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State vs. Wake Forest odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s New Era Pinstrip Bowl betting odds and lines between Michigan State and Wake Forest with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Michigan State Spartans (6-6) and Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-4) will slug it out at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Kickoff at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx is set for 3:20 p.m. ET Friday. We analyze the Michigan State-Wake Forest odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Michigan State vs. Wake Forest: Three things you need to know

1. The Spartans managed a dismal 7-14 SU record in their first 21 bowl appearances from 1937-2010. However, they won the Outback Bowl Jan. 2, 2012 against the Georgia Bulldogs, and they’re 5-2 SU in their last seven bowl appearances. They did lose 7-6 to the Oregon Ducks in the Redbox Bowl in Santa Clara, Calif., last season.

2. Wake Forest, picked to finish dead last in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, is appearing in a bowl for the fourth straight season. They’re 9-4 SU all time in bowls, including a 3-0 run under coach Dave Clawson, including a 37-34 win over the Memphis Tigers in the Birmingham Bowl last season.

3. Michigan State is 5-1 ATS in the past six bowl games, as is Wake Forest’s ATS record in bowl games during the same span.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

Michigan State vs. Wake Forest: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan State 22, Wake Forest 16

Moneyline (ML)

Michigan State (-189) heads to NYC as a strong favorite. It would certainly be a different story if Wake Forest (+155) had star WR Sage Surratt on the field and not on the shelf due to injury.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN STATE (-3.5, -115) has posted a 7-2-1 ATS mark in the past 10 neutral-site battles. The Spartans offense has been terrible, ranking 101st in total yards (362.6 YPG) while posting 22.0 points per game to rank 107th. Defensively the Spartans have it on lockdown, ranking 18th in total yards (320.1 YPG), while coughing up just 109.5 rushing yards per outing to rank 14th.

Wake Forest (+3.5, -106) was impressive offensively, but again, it will be missing Surratt, who led the team with 1,001 receiving yards.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 50.5 (-110) is the play. MSU is 5-15 O/U in its past 20 games overall, and 4-10 O/U the past 14 against winning teams. The Under is also 7-3 in Wake’s past 10 games overall, and 6-1 in its past seven as an underdog.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Military Bowl: North Carolina vs. Temple odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Military Bowl between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Temple Owls, with betting odds, picks, tips and best bets.

The North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6) and Temple Owls (8-4) do battle at the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman Friday. Kickoff at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. is set for 12 p.m. ET. We analyze the North Carolina-Temple odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

North Carolina vs. Temple: Three things you need to know

1. UNC has a fairly extensive bowl history dating back to the 1947 Sugar Bowl. The Tar Heels made four bowl appearances under head coach Mack Brown in his first tenure in Chapel Hill, going 3-1 from 1993-1997. The last time they faced an AAC team in a bowl game they dusted Cincinnati 39-17 at the Belk Bowl Dec. 28, 2013.

2. Temple will be appearing in its ninth-ever bowl game, posting a 3-5 straight-up record in its previous eight postseason showings. The Owls fell to Duke by a 56-27 score in the Independence Bowl last season. They spanked Florida International 28-3 in the Gasparilla Bowl the previous year, and this is the fifth straight year the Owls have appeared in a bowl, going 1-3 SU in the previous four.

3. Temple didn’t play in Annapolis this season, but it won at Navy by a 24-17 score Oct. 13, 2018, and the Owls have won and covered in each of their past two games at NMCMS, albeit vs. Navy. Still, they’re comfortable here.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

North Carolina vs. Temple: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

North Carolina 33, Temple 27

Moneyline (ML)

North Carolina (-200) was rolling offensively down the stretch, including a total of 97 in its final two games against FCS Mercer and rival North Carolina State. Still, a 2-to-1 investment on the moneyline isn’t a good idea. PASS and bet the spread instead.

Against the Spread (ATS)

NORTH CAROLINA (-4.5, -110) is in line for a cover. The Tar Heels have scored 27 or more points in four straight games, and in six of their past seven, and they’re rolling offensively. Defensively, they allowed just 17 points in the final two outings.

Temple (+4.5, -110) has had success in Annapolis before, yes, but the Owls haven’t faced a Power 5 team like UNC there before. The Owls were a lot more prolific offensively when they were at home. On the road, they averaged just 20.0 points per game in five games while posting 32.7 PPG in seven home contests.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 52.5 (-115) is a nice play in this one. The Over is 8-3 in UNC’s past 11 against winning teams, and 5-2 in Temple’s past seven showings at a neutral site.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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